Look for the Lights: How College Changed my Perspective on Drinking Water

Before college, I didn't put much thought into the water I drank. Like most people, I assumed that if water came from a faucet or drinking fountain, it was fine to drink. Filling a glass from the kitchen sink at home was second nature, and water was one of those things that existed in the background of daily life.

That mindset changed when I went to college. Since I didn't have a sink in my dorm room, I relied on drinking fountains and bottle filling stations across campus to stay hydrated. Whether I was heading to class, studying in the library, working out at the gym, or eating in the dining hall, I regularly refilled my water bottle throughout the day.

Over time, I started noticing that water from one building often tasted different from water in another. Some water seemed fresher, while other fountains had a distinct taste that made me less likely to refill my bottle there. These differences made me pay closer attention to the bottle filling stations I used and raised questions I had never considered before.

The Differences Between Bottle Filling Stations

As I looked closer, I noticed something else: some bottle filling stations had filter status lights, while others did not.

That simple detail led me to realize that not every bottle filling station is filtered. Some units include filtration systems that help reduce contaminants, improve taste, and remove odors, while others dispense municipal tap water directly. Although municipal water is treated before it reaches consumers, it still travels through miles of infrastructure, local plumbing systems, and building pipes before reaching a drinking fountain or bottle filling station.

That's why filters are important. They can help reduce chlorine, sediment, and other impurities that may affect water quality. Even when water is safe to drink, filtration can improve its taste and consistency. In many cases, when water tastes better, people naturally drink more of it.

Why the Filter Status Light Matters

One of the most surprising things I learned was how many people assume every bottle filling station has filtered water. Before college, I probably would have made the same assumption. If a station looks modern, it's easy to believe it’s filtered. However, that's not always the case.

That's why the "Look for the Lights" campaign is so important. The campaign encourages people to check the filter status indicator on a bottle filling station before filling their bottle. These indicator lights provide a quick visual cue that helps users understand whether a filter is present and whether it is operating properly.

It's a small habit that takes only a second, but it can help people make more informed decisions about the water they drink every day. Just as we check expiration dates on food or nutrition labels on beverages, paying attention to filter status lights allows us to be more aware of the quality of the water we're consuming.

Why This Matters to College Students

Learning more about bottle filling stations helped me understand why access to filtered water matters so much, especially on college campuses.

Students are constantly balancing academics, activities, work, health, and tight budgets. Hydration often gets overlooked, yet it plays an important role in overall wellness and daily performance. When filtered water is readily available and tastes good, students are more likely to refill their bottles throughout the day and stay properly hydrated.

Filtered bottle filling stations also provide a convenient and cost-effective alternative to purchasing bottled water. For students trying to manage expenses, those savings can add up over the course of a semester.

There are environmental benefits as well. Every refill helps reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles, supporting sustainability initiatives that many colleges and universities actively promote. A reusable bottle paired with a filtered bottle filling station creates a simple solution that benefits both people and the environment.

Your Reusable Bottle Is Only Half the Story

One of the most valuable lessons I learned in college had little to do with the classroom. Instead, it was a reminder of how strongly our surroundings influence everyday habits. When healthy choices are convenient and accessible, they become part of a routine. For me, carrying a reusable water bottle was already a habit. What changed was my awareness of what I was filling it with.

I started paying attention to where I refilled, whether a station was filtered, and whether the filter status light indicated the system was functioning properly. What began as a simple effort to stay hydrated ultimately made me more conscious of water quality and the role filtration can play.

A Small Habit Worth Adopting

Looking back, it's interesting how a small shift in awareness changed my perspective. Water had always been something I took for granted, but college taught me to look beyond convenience and think more carefully about what I drink every day.

The lesson is simple: carrying a reusable bottle is a great first step, but it's only part of the equation. Taking a moment to look for the lights can help you identify filtered bottle filling stations and make more informed hydration choices.

The next time you refill your bottle on campus, at work, in an airport, or anywhere else, take a second to check the filter status indicator. It's a small action, but one that can encourage better hydration habits and greater awareness of the water you're drinking.

Sometimes, the smartest choices start with simply knowing what to look for. When it comes to finding filtered water, the answer may be right in front of you: Look for the Lights.

About Elkay

Elkay®, part of the Zurn Elkay family of brands, specializes in water solutions that improve the health, safety and experience of our customers and end users. Our world-class portfolio includes filtered bottle filling stations, water coolers, faucets and sinks for schools, airports, healthcare facilities, homes and more. We offer a diverse range of highly functional, visually striking products that elevate spaces, reduce waste, meet strict compliance standards and provide safer, better-tasting water. Visit elkay.com.

Author: Isabella Bussler, Product Marketing Intern